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Audiophile sound quality and home theater — not mutually exclusive

Many mistakenly believe that you have to choose between the delights of high-fidelity music and the fun of home theater. With Cambridge Audio's Azur 551R you get both in one captivating package. The 551R serves up the latest audio and video features your high-def home theater needs, along with the warm involving sound that Cambridge Audio is known for. This precision-built receiver includes potent, audiophile-quality amplification for seven speakers plus decoding for the superior high-resolution surround sound formats available with today's HD video sources. The beefy 551R is not just built, but overbuilt. Don't be fooled by its 60 watts-per-channel rating, which is measured all channels going full-tilt simultaneously. Under strenuous conditions, the 551R comes through with spectacular, low-distortion sound that few can attain. In stereo mode, you get a clean, solid 90 watts per channel.

Connections for your favorite sources

HDMI inputs let you hook up your four best high-def components for easy switching. Analog-to-HDMI conversion with Faroudja processing sends all of your video sources to an HDMI-capable TV via a single-cable digital connection. Cirrus Logic dual 32-bit DSPs ensure that every audio nuance gets it due. These processors are designed to meet the mammoth digital calculating demands of today's big music and soundtrack files. So whether it's from your favorite film or philharmonic orchestra you'll become immersed in the warm involving sound.

Audio setup flexibility

The Azur 551R boasts some cool setup options that fans of high-quality sound will appreciate. The back surround channels are re-assignable for use with bi-amp capable front speakers. By doubling the power to a pair of biampable speakers, you'll get every ounce of performance you paid for. And, if you have a Blu-ray player with multi-channel output, the 551R will give it a warm analog welcome with 7.1-channel preamp input. Or if you have separate amplifiers, you can work the other side of the street and feed them 7.1 channels of analog audio.

Built for great sound

Cambridge Audio's London-based engineering team designed the Azur 551R according to their usual high-end standards. This receiver boasts seven discrete amplifiers, powered by a low-flux toroidal transformer. This combination provides steady power throughout the fluctuating demands of the music itself, and delivers sound via separate amplifiers for every channel. These are isolated from the processing and input stages to minimize interference and ensure performance without compromise. The rock-solid, low-vibration chassis contains Cambridge's clever X-tract™ cooling systems to minimize distortion and loss of efficiency caused by overheating. A perfectly balanced combination of natural convection and forced cooling draws away heat virtually silently.

General Features:

Receivers: Your ticket to sensational sound

Your receiver powers your speakers and lets you connect and select your entertainment sources. But a great receiver does a lot more  it ignites your emotions. From the passion of a favorite musical artist, to the crossfire of a super-charged movie soundtrack, to the intensity and immersion of a fast-paced video game, your receiver is the key to experiencing and enjoying it in full.

7 Discrete Amplifiers: Seven discrete amplifiers driven by a low-flux
toroidal transformer are separated from the processing and input stages
delivering ultra-low noise and distortion, thereby guaranteeing performance
without compromise. This careful design of the amplifier stages ensure that the
551R can reproduce the dynamics required for movie and music soundtracks. The 7
channel amplifier is rated at 90 watts with 2 channels driven (1kHz, 8-ohms,
0.006% THD) or 60 watts with all 7 channels driven (1kHz, 8-ohms, 0.006% THD).

Bi-Amp Mode: This receiver allows you to reassign the
surround back amplifier channels to make bi-amp connections (compatible speakers
required). A bi-amplification connection uses two amplifiers for one speaker.
One amplifier is connected to the woofer section of a loudspeaker while the
other is connected to the combined midrange and tweeter section. With this
arrangement each amplifier operates over a limited frequency range, making its
job easier. The receiver will be limited to 5.1ch surround.

24-bit/192-kHz DACs: The Cambridge Audio azur 551R utilizes
a 192 kHz/24 bit D/A converter on each of the unit's seven channels for
exceptional sound quality. The 192kHz sampling and 24-bit word length
capabilities of the DACs allows you to play high-resolution recordings and hear
the increased clarity, detail and dynamic range of those recordings.

Note: Dolby Digital and DTS listening modes can only be
selected if your audio source is connected to the A/V receiver via a digital
audio connection (HDMI, optical, or coaxial). To enjoy true 7.1ch Dolby
Digital TrueHD and DTS-HD surround sound, the receiver must be connected to
your Blu-ray player via HDMI.

Matrixed Surround Modes: These modes allow a surround-sound
experience from source material that has no encoding at all. The
surround sound effect is achieved by digital signal processing of
the analog or digital stereo source used. Five modes are possible;
Movie, Music, Room, Theatre, and Hall.

Stereo Modes: The surround receiver also provides two-channel stereo
playback, as well as an analog stereo direct mode.

Stereo/Stereo + Sub: Only the front left & front right
speakers (and subwoofer if selected) have output in this mode. If an
analog source is selected, it will be converted to digital via 24
bit A/D converters to allow digital domain sub creation and
bass/treble controls. If a digital source is selected, the 551R will
be processing either LPCM stereo (from the digital outputs of a CD
player for instance) or a Stereo downmix of DD or DTS material (from
the digital output of a DVD player for instance).

Analog Stereo Direct: Selects the analog inputs for the
current source directly with no A/D conversion, DSP processing,
Bass/Treble, or subwoofer channel active. Provides the very best
fidelity for analog Hi-Fi source equipment. In this mode the 551R is
acting just like a normal Hi-Fi integrated amplifier.

Dolby Pro Logic II/IIx Music Settings: While listening in
the Dolby Pro Logic II/IIx Music format, there are three further enhancements
you can adjust.

Panorama: A Prologic
II/IIx mode that extends the front stereo image to the surround sound
speakers for a more enveloping experience. This mode can be either On/Off.

Dimension: Allows
gradual adjustment of the center image from being produced only by the
Center speaker (Setting 0) through levels of being spread between the center
channel and left and right speakers to finally being produced by the front
left and right speakers only (Phantom Center, Setting 7). Useful in
optimizing the front/center/right soundfield for best integration of the
three speakers.

Center Width: Adjusts
the soundfield to be gradually shifted from the front of the room to the
back to suit taste, speaker positioning, and size of room. Setting 0 has the
image furthest forward, 6 furthest back.

DTS-HD Speaker Remap: As there is no official speaker layout for
discrete 7.1 channel audio, it could be possible that the original master track
of a 7.1 soundtrack was mastered with a different speaker layout than the one
being used in your home. DTS has addressed this issue for DTS-HD Master Audio
and High Resolution Audio by including in the bitstream flags to tell the
receiving AV Receiver which of a seven nominal 7.1 speaker layouts was actually
used. By using special DTS Speaker Remap algorithms the 551R is able to
electronically "reposition" the speakers (i.e. direct the audio propagation), so
that the playback matches the original encoded layout for the best possible
sound quality.

CAMCAS (Cambridge Audio Microphone Controlled Auto Setup): Cambridge
Audio's Microphone Controlled Auto Set-up (CAMCAS) tailors the 551R's
performance to any room and comes complete with a microphone to complete this
simple procedure. The CAMCAS system performs two sets of tests; first checking
which speakers are connected and whether they are wired correctly and in phase,
then second automatically measuring and adjusting the speaker delay timings and
levels. You can also choose to manually setup the receiver's
speakers settings.

Speaker Crossover: Each speaker
(front/center/surround/surround back) and subwoofer crossover point can be adjusted from
40-150Hz (in 10Hz steps) and also to 200Hz.

LFE Trim: The LFE channel (for DD/DTS material) can also be
trimmed by up to 10dB (in 1dB steps); useful for late night listening or
other situations where it might be desired to reduce the low frequency
effect level temporarily.

Bass Augment: You can select whether to play front
channel low-frequencies through either the front speakers or the subwoofer,
or through both the subwoofer and front speakers.

Dynamic Range Control: This setting controls the dynamic range of
Dolby Digital movie soundtracks by compressing the audio to limit the difference
in level between loud and quiet passages in the movie. The receiver's Dynamic
Range Control can be set to Auto, On, or Off.

Binding Post Speaker Terminals: The receiver has binding-post terminals for
all speaker connections. The binding-post terminals can accept bare wire, pin
connectors, and banana plugs (single only). Speakers with an impedance of
between 4-8 ohms are recommended.

7.1ch Analog Inputs: The azur 551R features a 7.1 Channel input (Front left,
Front right, Center, Surround left, Surround right, Surround Back left, Surround
Back right, and Subwoofer) for connecting a DVD Audio player, Super Audio CD
multi-channel player, or other component that has a multi-channel port so you
can playback the audio with 5.1 channel or 7.1 channel surround sound.

Headphone Output: The receiver features a 1/4" stereo
headphone jack on its front-panel for connecting a pair of optional
headphones. Plugging in a set of headphones will automatically mute the main
speakers and pre-amp outputs, while selecting a 2-channel stereo down-mix
soundfield. Headphones with an impedance of between 32-600 ohms are
recommended.

AM/FM Tuner w/ RDS: The Cambridge Audio A/V receiver features a built-in
AM/FM tuner with RDS. RDS is a method for the transmission of additional
information from local radio stations. It is only available in FM mode. RDS will
only work if the local broadcasting stations have RDS transmission and the
signal is strong enough.

Video Features

Video Inputs: In terms of connectivity, the 551R boasts four HDMI inputs and
a single HDMI monitor output which fully support 3D, Deep color, and Audio Return from
newer flat-panel TVs. It also features a wide selection of analog video inputs
(Component, Composite, S-video).

HDMI (ver.1.4): HDMI (High-Definition Multi-Media Interface) is
an all digital connection that can carry both audio/video in one cable.
Direct digital transfer of audio/video and support for various types of High
Definition video content and high resolution audio make this the best
connection type to use. The four HDMI inputs can be assigned to the BD/DVD,
Video 1, Video 2, CD/Aux/TV, Tape/MD/CDR or 7.1 Direct sources.

Note: This receiver only features an HDMI monitor output (there
are no analog monitor outputs). All analog video inputs will be upconverted
to HDMI to send to your TV.

Analog-to-HDMI Conversion w/ 1080p Scaling: The A/V receiver's
Faroudja 1080p video scaler (FLI2310) vastly improves performance from lower
resolution TV broadcasts and DVDs as well as transcoding analog video inputs to
the digital domain for simpler and neater connection to the TV using the
receiver's HDMI monitor output. Composite, Component, and S-video inputs can be upconverted to HDMI
and scaled to 1080p. Lower resolution incoming HDMI signals can also be scaled
to 1080p. You can choose to bypass the scaler for a native resolution.

Note: 3D TV content, 24fps content, or other video standards that
551R cannot process or recognize are always bypassed and sent natively,
without scaling.

3D Pass-Through: With the advent of 3D media, it is important to own a
receiver that recognizes 3D video signals. The 551R is able to pass through 3D
signals from your Blu-ray player, ensuring that the 3D effect doesn't get lost
in translation. It also recognizes signals from 3D television broadcasts. By
connecting a 3D-compliant Blu-ray disc player and 3D-compliant TV to the 551R,
you will have a 3D home theater where you can enjoy high-definition sound and
video on a level you've never experienced before.

Deep Color Support: The 551R also supports Deep Color
content, which can display a larger color range than standard-definition
schemes. The result is a more lifelike, vibrant picture.

Audio Return Channel: This feature allows audio to be sent from your
compatible HDTV to your receiver through the same HDMI cable already being used
to send audio and video to your HDTV. This eliminates the need for extra cables
connected to your television.

Lipsync Adjustment: This feature compensates for the timing
shift between the audio and video of the receiver. If needed, the audio signal
can be manually delayed to match the video signal; adjust from 0-500ms (in 10ms
steps).

Audio Split: The 551R allows you to view one source while listening to
another. You can be watching any video input (HDMI, Component, Composite, or
S-video) on your connected TV and listen to a different analog (RCA) or digital
(Optical/Coax) audio source through the receiver.

Convenience Features

Slim, Aesthetic Design: The Cambridge Audio azur 551R features a
slim designed chassis which measures only 16.9375" (w) x 4.25" (h) x 14.75" (d);
so it easily fits on a shelf or inside a cabinet.

On-Screen Display (via HDMI): The AV receiver's on-screen menu
provides quick information about your system's settings. You can easily make
settings for your home theater system while viewing menus on the TV
screen. Simple settings are enabled with the setting menus displayed on the TV
screen. These menu displays can only be output to your TV via HDMI. The unit's
front-panel LCD also displays the receiver's menu adjustments, as well as input
source.

X-Tract Cooling System: The Cambridge Audio azur 551R employs a unique
cooling system called X-Tract. A perfectly balanced combination of forced
cooling and natural convection effectively draws heat away from the substantial
transformer and output stages and means the 551R can operate extremely quietly,
at a low temperature and enables a more compact enclosure than would normally be
possible.

Backup Memory: The 551R has a function that preserves the preset
memory and other settings. In the event of a power failure, or if the power cord
of the unit is disconnected from the mains outlet, the back-up memory will
preserve the preset memory for approximately one week. If the power supply is
interrupted for 7 days or longer, the memory settings will be erased.

Remote Control

IR Remote Control: The azur 551R comes with an IR wireless
remote control that can operate this receiver only.

Remote Connections: The Cambridge Audio azur 551R is fitted
with the following custom remote connections.

IR Input: This 3.5mm input is used to control the 551R from an external
key-pad (sold separately).

RS232C Port: The RS-232C port is to be used in conjunction with
an external controller to control the operation of the unit by using an
external device. The RS-232C port may also be used in the future to update
the operating software of the unit so that it will be able to support new
digital audio formats.

Our Product Research Team

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find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research
team. They verify what’s in the box, check the owner's manual, and record
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Wait for 551R V2 due in June 2014

Know what you are getting before buying this receiver. Read the manual. There are some limitations that you may not be able to live with especially if you are looking for all the bells and whistles that are found on most receivers. For me size, cooling and sound were most important. I don't need room correction software, I just want good sound from a simple design. I have one problem and that is with my COX DVR. Every time I change channels or raise or lower the vol I can hear a thumping sound through my speakers via my HDMI connection. No problem with my Roku or Oppo HDMI connections. I'm currently using the unit with my Salk speakers in 2-channel stereo mode and think the sound is as good as my former NAD receiver for half the price. If you are serious about this unit go to the Cambridge Audio website and read about the 551R-V2. More HDMI in and out connections, 3D and 4K support. I may return this because of the thumping sound with my DVR and wait for the V2 release as I think it will be that good.

Pros:Sound quality, cooling, no fan noise that I can hear, lightweight and small footprint. Appears to be well built.

Cons:Older video chip, no display screen dimming, rather large and heavy remote (have to admit its nice to have some room between the buttons though).

36 Days of trial

The box it said , 36 hours of continuous use before judging, so I am , and quarks are coming out , but heal , so i will continue on the path , useing 5-10 hours a day until my 60 days trial period is up then I will come with questions or please exchange, and i know Crutchfield with support me as they always do . Shop with confidence , you are in great hands, and wise minds, and big hearts. Shop Crutchfield , absolutly.Thanks for listening, the 551R is a beauty!

OSD Menu Issue

This receiver sounded pretty good, however, I was unable to program the inputs/outputs properly as the OSD (the only way to program the receiver) woudl not display on my TV. Apparently the OSD menu is in such a low resolution that some TV's will not recognize the menu and not be able to display it. There are no other methods to output to the TV (i.e. s-Video or Component, etc) other than the HDMI output. Another issue is with fast forwarding on my DVR (Directv) once I restarted the program there was a loud squeak or squelch that went through the speakers and it was a terrible noise. I am not sure if that would have went away if I was able to program it correctly but that is something I wanted to bring up. So without being able to properly program the unit I cannot attest to the sound quality, however, if you have a TV that will not recognize a low resolution OSD you may have issues with this unit. The silver lining is the folks at Crutchfield were very helpful, while they did not know much about the unit itself they were very accommodating in sending me a new unit (thought it might have been the one I was sent was defective) as well as taking both units back and sending me shipping labels to do so. Great service here, wish the receiver worked out better for me. In the end I purchased a $600 Denon unit that set up in minutes and sounds pretty good so saved myself a few $$ but lost a lot of time finding this all out.

Pros:Small size fits in tight cabinets

Cons:OSD will not display on some TVs
No alternate output out than HDMI
No way to program without OSD

Nice but no OSD operation display..........

Very nice unit but it was missing on screen display so if you have it located where you can't see it you will not no what your selections are. You will not be able to rename your devices, stuck with the generic names of inputs. A very nice unit with just about all you need except for missing the software needed for the above mentioned items.

Pros:Built like a European Car, very solid and heavy, nice sounding, just about all you need without the average big box units out there.

Cons:For the price there should be a on screen display not just for the setup and the availability to rename your inputs.